What is the difference

[Ensomniac]

Now, this may seem like a very dumb question...and I am sure that it is...But I need to know.

What is the difference between an Ethernet Cat .5 UTP cable and an Ethernet cat .5 UTP patch cable?

I just bought a Wireless Router off of ebay (Netgear wgr614v5), and I need an ethernet cable to connect to my computer from the router. My modem now uses a USB cord to connect. So I was looking online and on ebay, and I get either the Bulk cables or patch cables....so can I use the patch cables...I don't know...Thank youo for your help...and I apologize for asking a noob question :-)

[Reggie]

As far as I know they are the same. Stay away from 'crossover' cables though since it only connects two computers directly without a router.

[golalmo]

you cant connect your usb modem to a router, but only if it have also an ethernet port. if so, you need to buy 2 regular ethernet cable: one from pc to router and the other from router to modem.
cat5 cable ment for hi-speed network like 100mbps.
if your modem dont have ethernet port, you need to replace it.